There are many components and fun things to buy when you are a jewelry designer.  In fact, the choices are overwhelming.  With so many tools, toys and gadgets to spend your money on, it is difficult to know what is actually worth the investment.  When it comes to ensuring quality, durable jewelry, wire guardians are a must-have for any beader.

What is a Wire Guardian?
Wire guardians are little U-shaped pieces of metal that you weave the end of your beading wire through.  They run through the clasp and protect the wire from fraying at the pressure point.  You can get them in silver or gold colors, either plated, filled or sterling, and they can be as inexpensive as just a few pennies each.

Wire guardians provide a polished, professional look and really make your jewelry look classy.  The only time I do not use wire guardians is when the clasp I am using does not have a large enough hole to thread them through.  With a wire guardian, you will not have that weird catch-y motion as the clasp turns, so everything moves smoothly and looks fantastic.

To use a wire guardian, string your beads, add your crimp, and then string the wire through the guardian.  Insert the wire guardian through the hole in your clasp, and gently pinch the two sides of the guardian together so they come to a point.  Then, clasp as normal and look at how much nicer your finished piece is!

Even if you are just getting started with beading, wire guardians are well worth the small investment.  Your jewelry will last longer and be more durable - two points that will score high with your customers.